Overview
This blog post provides a curated list of the best mechanical keyboards currently available, focusing on their features, performance, and value. It highlights keyboards suitable for both typing and gaming, covering a range of budgets and preferences. The review process involves rigorous testing in various scenarios, with a focus on gaming, software usability, and everyday productivity.
Cooler Master MK770
An excellent all-around keyboard for both typists and gamers.
Features responsive Kailh Box V2 switches and a comfortable gasket-mounted design.
Has a stylish Macaron color option and a hot-swappable design for easy customization.
Software issues exist.
Lemokey X1
A budget-friendly option that delivers great typing and gaming performance.
Boasts a premium feel and customizable backlighting.
Keycaps aren't as high-quality and the board isn't hot-swappable.
Keychron V6
An attractive, smooth-typing, and well-built keyboard.
Fully hot-swappable and available in various configurations.
Wired only.
NuPhy Halo75 V2
A visually appealing and comfortable keyboard for typing.
Features a fast 1,000Hz polling rate in 2.4G mode for gaming.
Minor issues exist.
Corsair K70 Max
Features magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and customizable dual functions per key.
Has sound-dampening technology, a durable aluminum frame, and a comfortable wrist rest.
Pricey.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
A compact, responsive, and customizable keyboard with tactile keys and a hot-swappable design.
Includes an OLED display and wireless connectivity option.
Expensive.
Keychron Q1 Pro
A metal keyboard that looks and feels premium.
Sounds good out of the box, is hot-swappable, and runs QMK firmware for extensive customization.
Bulky.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
A high-quality, compact 60% keyboard with versatile per-key customization options.
Designed for competitive gamers, but also suitable for typists.
Expensive.
Keychron K11 Max
A wireless ergonomic keyboard with a comfortable Alice layout and premium construction.
Hot-swappable.
Features finicky software and loose feet.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Features a retro design inspired by Nintendo.
Well-built with Dual Super Buttons to enhance productivity.
Easy to customize.
Keychron Q7
A robust keyboard with an all-metal construction.
Features highly responsive Gateron G Pro switches and easy-to-use web-based software.
Designed for gaming and typing.
Epomaker Split65
A split keyboard designed to improve posture and relieve arm stress.
QMK/VIA-enabled for easy customization and fitted with responsive switches.
Has a steep learning curve.
Keyboard Design Considerations
Size: Choose from full-size, tenkeyless, or smaller layouts (e.g., 60%) based on your needs.
Switches: Consider noise level (quiet vs. noisy) and actuation point (linear vs. tactile). Cherry MX switches are a safe bet.
Price: Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a good mechanical keyboard.
Testing Methodology
Gaming: Test keyboards with various game genres (FPS, RTS, RPG, MMO) to assess performance.
Software: Evaluate the ease of use and robustness of the keyboard's software for key remapping, macros, lighting, and profiles.
Productivity: Use the keyboard for everyday tasks to ensure it's suitable for work and general computing.

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